Archie Lavern (Richards) Thomas

Archie LaVerne Richards was born on December 19, 1941 in Crockett, Texas to the parentage of Robert and Annie C. Richards.  She accepted Christ at an early age and joined New Hope Baptist Church where her faith became the foundation of her life. 

Archie met and married Gabe Lee Thomas.  This union was blessed with seven children.  God later blessed her with two more children, completing her beautiful family.

Determined and hard-working, Mrs. Thomas earned her GED in 1988.  She worked faithfully at various jobs including a position as a seamstress-stitching all of her   children’s clothes by hand, with love and precision.  She took great pride in being the seamstress for the Stars of Harmony, creating garments that reflected both her skill and spirit.

Archie later joined the Kennard ISD where she served as a substitute teacher and bus driver for 28 years.  Her warmth, patience and nurturing heart touched the lives of many students and colleagues alike.  She was known for her exceptional cooking-her dressing, pound cake and sweet tea were community favorites, always made with love and shared with joy.  She found happiness in singing, sewing, and caring for her   family. She poured her heart into everything she did.  Above all, she loved serving the Lord and taking care of others.

On Tuesday, September 30, 2025, Mrs. Archie LaVerne Thomas departed this life. She was preceded in death by her beloved son (Herman Bryant, Jr.), parents, siblings (Frank, Weldon, Theodis and Jimmy Richards, Robbie Davis, Vera Twine, Ola    Martinez, Artie and Rev. Mary Josephine Johnson).

Left to cherish her memory are her loving children: George Thomas of Lufkin, Norma Thomas of Katy, Mary Jones of Lufkin, James Thomas (Cynthia) of Fort Worth, Sherron Benton of Lufkin, Amanda Sparks (Ronnie) of Kennard, Dorothy Coleman of Huntsville, and Kelvin Davis (Patricia) of Fresno; 32 grandchildren; 64 great-grandchildren; one devoted sister, Annie Jones of Lufkin; best friend, Lena Bolton, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Archie played a loving role in raising many special people. Among them are Inez Byrd, James Coy Wortham, Cleotis Wiley, Douglass Richards, and Minerva Brooks.  Mrs. Archie LaVerne Thomas will forever be remembered for her loving hands that stitched, her voice that soothed, and her heart that served. Her faith was steadfast, her love was boundless, and her legacy will live on in every life that she touched.

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